First Time Investor - Market Analysis

[Bilal Hussain]

Hi, I'm excited to to begin my real estate investment journey and have begun by trying to educate myself as much as I can. 

I know the first thing I need to do is Market Analysis into the neighborhoods that I'm targeting. I know the basics of looking into key points like: unemployment, local business, crime, occupancy rates, basic supply and demand, salary, etc. (Any others you recommend?)

How do I go about researching for all of this? Is there a research tool free/paid that compiles all of this information or is it mostly done through individual searches. If so, what are some reputable resources? 

I don't want to simply ask a realtor for all of this information because it may seem like I'm asking them to do all of the work, plus I rather do it so I have an idea as well. 

Thank you

[Anna Laud]

Hi Bilal,

Great to have you join the business, you're going to do great!

Good thinking on not wanting to waste anybody's time.  I work with many newbies and I have the same suggestions:

1.) Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer!

Be somebody's bi*** and get their water.  Maybe it is a realtor, investor or anybody advertising in your market.  Call them and ask what they need help with today:

"What can I do for you that will make me your BFF forever and you'll never stop thanking me?"

2.) Market SOMETHING.

It can be a house, a fsbo, a car, a rental house, AirBNB, etc. ANYTHING just start generating leads and talking to those leads.  You will know more about a market in one weekend of marketing than you will in one year of study.  The only thing that matters is the kinds of buyers/renters/sellers that you can get calling you or that you call.  NOTHING else is more important or determines the value more.

3.) Remember enthusiasm makes up for everything.

Smiling and taking everything as a compliment will make you magnetic to ALL high achievers, the people that suck will hate you and you'll repel them.  They'll say you're too happy or whatever, let them say it.  Become impossible to replace at your current job, business, to your clients, the people you volunteer for, etc. 

I'm a full time special needs instructor and this is the same process we use to take our kids and have them build 10-30k/month businesses.  You can do this Bilal.  Hope that helps!  = )